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Question 1
What is the maximum time a blood specimen should be centrifuged after collection to prevent glycolysis from affecting glucose results?
Answer: Specimens should be centrifuged within 30 minutes of collection to minimize glycolysis and preserve accurate glucose levels.
Question 2
At what angle should blood tubes be transported to prevent hemolysis and ensure proper mixing of additives?
Answer: Tubes should be transported in an upright position (vertical) to minimize agitation and reduce the risk of hemolysis.
Question 3
Which specimens must be transported in a light-protected container, and why?
Answer: Bilirubin, vitamin B12, folate, and porphyrin specimens must be protected from light because exposure causes photodegradation, leading to falsely decreased results.
Question 4
What temperature range is required when transporting specimens that must be kept chilled (cold transport)?
Answer: Chilled specimens must be transported at 2–8°C, typically by placing the tube in a mixture of ice and water.
Question 5
Which analyte requires cold transport to prevent falsely elevated results if left at room temperature?
Answer: Ammonia requires cold transport; if left at room temperature, continued metabolism by red blood cells causes falsely elevated ammonia levels.